Ice rink slated for construction outside Wrigley Field

December 9, 2009 6:55:17 PM PST

December 9, 2009 (CHICAGO) --

Wrigley Field Is certainly a popular summer destination. Now the Cubs are hoping to give folks a reason to visit in the winter as well. Workers are building an ice skating rink outside the stadium in the parking area just east of Clark Street.

The Chicago Park District is expected to OK the rink at Wrigley Wednesday evening.

If approved, it will open for skating on Tuesday, December 15, through the end of February.

New Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts says its part of the team's commitment to the neighborhood.

NEWS RELEASE

"The Rink at Wrigley" set to welcome skaters in shadow of friendly confines Ricketts family, Chicago Cubs to host ice skating rink

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

CHICAGO - A new ice skating rink will welcome skaters to the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field this winter, thanks to the generosity of the Ricketts family, new owners of the Cubs, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney and others.

Building on the success of the 2009 NHL Winter Classic, which featured the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field, the new Cubs owners have arranged a full-size skating rink on the Cubs parking lot at the corner of Clark and Addison. Named "The Rink at Wrigley," the endeavor is sponsored by the Ricketts family, Ald. Tunney, the Chicago Park District, Westrec Marinas, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Blackhawks, McDonald's and the Central Lakeview Merchants Association, among others.

"The Rink at Wrigley is a great way to bring winter fun to our community and to highlight our commitment to our neighbors and the City of Chicago," said Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts. "We are excited to offer a family-friendly activity for our fans and neighbors at the ballpark during the off-season."

Admission to The Rink at Wrigley is $10 per adult, $6 per child and may be purchased on site for the morning, afternoon or evening sessions. Proceeds help offset the cost of the rink. Skate rentals will be available for an additional fee.

"The Rink at Wrigley will showcase our community and our city throughout the winter months," said Ald. Tom Tunney. "It is an exciting way to bring families and skaters to Lake View from throughout the city and suburbs and we greatly appreciate the generosity of the Cubs, the City of Chicago, all the sponsors and the Chicago Park District for making this possible."

The Rink at Wrigley will be available to the public beginning December 15, 2009, through February 2010. Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday until 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m. Levy Restaurants will offer refreshments. A Grand Opening celebration is planned for Saturday, December 19, 2009, at 11 a.m.